My Work Is Never Done

I know that I don't have to tell you how hard I work for these people because I know all of you work hard. Just being happy and wagging your tail all the time is tiring. 'Course I can't say much about the tail thing since I don't have one. I can wiggle my stump if I want to. Honestly, I don't know how people would get by without us.

One of my chores is to help with filling the water tank in the house. We have a well but it's not hooked into the house 'cause things freeze so easy. So every once in a while we have to fill the storage tank in the house. When we do that, we have to let the hose run for a while to clear out any sediment. For some reason, Mom and Lee don't seem to appreciate how dangerous it is to just leave a hose running like that! Lucky for them I know what to do. I start by barking at the hose. If that doesn't work, I grab the end where the water comes out with my mouth and give it a good shake. Then I bark some more. I can keep this up for a long time. But the hose is never out of control. I want you all to know that I perform this service even when it's -40!

My mom says we have to go to Anchorage again. Guess I'll get to see my friend Mike, the Springer Spaniel, and his dad Dean. They are bachelors and they LOVE Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. Well, who doesn't. Bark at ya next week.

Woof,
Pearl

Homestead Happenings

Well, it's been really frustrating here the past week. The sun has been shining and the days are long but the wind has been blowing. This doesn't bother me that much. Let's face it, one of the advantages of being short is staying out of the wind! I hate it when humans try to make it sound like I'm not short by saying stuff like, "Oh, Pearl is vertically challenged." How dumb do they think I am. I know I'm short. I'm supposed to be short. Anyway, my people don't like to go outside when it's windy. Mom says that when it's zero degrees and the wind is blowing 15 miles per hour, she's not going out.

Yesterday she had to go out because she and Lee needed to cut some firewood. It's still winter here in Alaska and we were running short. That was really fun because I got to pee on top of all the places the coyotes and foxes have peed. I don't really like the chain saw but otherwise it was a good outing. Plus when we got home I had to help Mom with the wheel barrow she uses to haul the wood. I have to guide her or she'd never get it to the right place. I bite the wheel which works great except a couple of times when my tongue got hurt.

Today Lee is packing and I'm not happy. I'm trying to help but he doesn't follow direction any better than Mom does. Lee is going to a gun show tomorrow. Mom and I are staying home. Last time we went to a gun show in Palmer, I got to go in. It was great because a lot of people wanted to scratch my ears and tell me how great I am. I was exhausted by the time we headed home. The people next to us have a dog that's half corgi and half lab! I did get in a little trouble because a Golden Retriever who was training to be a guide dog walked by. I had to let her know not to come to close to our space. She got the message but Lee got upset with me. Sheesh - I'm just doing my job!

I'd rather stay home but I worry when Mom and Lee are in different places. Mom says if it's nice tomorrow we can go for a walk. Hope you all get to go for a walk tomorrow. As the Governor of Caleefornea says, "I'll be back!"

Woof,
Pearl

PS. I have gotten messages from several cats. It was great to hear from Delta and Adagio who's foolish humans left Alaska. I like to hear from many different breeds and species. After all better understanding might lead to world peace.

Vote for Baker Simpson

Hi everyone,

Sorry I've been out of touch for a while. I'll fill you in on my next post. For now I want to introduce you to my cousin Baker, the Bernese Mountain Dog. His mom put him in a photo contest and of course we want him to win. I already gave him my two free votes. Sorry Baker, I haven't got any money or I would buy some more votes for you. Hey, maybe this is the problem with human elections - some of them still think you can buy extra votes! Mom made me promise not to bring politics into my blog. Anyway, as you can see Baker is a fine looking chap. Debra, his mom, says to please vote for the photo with Baker in his hat. Baker has a very cool boy. My boy is all grown up and lives in Kansas. The site says that the winner will receive valuable prizes from the sponsors. Here's a tip: Get the candy first!

Remember go to www.bendbulletin.com/petpals and Vote for Baker!

Woof,
Pearl